how did china and Japan feel about the europeans moving westward
When?
Westward where?
Please clarify your question and we'll be glad to help you.
As long as they didn't move eastward, they didn't care much.
To understand how China and Japan felt about the Europeans moving westward, we need to delve into the historical context and the interactions between these regions.
During the period of European colonial expansion, known as the Age of Exploration, European powers began to venture into different parts of the world, including Asia. China and Japan had markedly different reactions to these encounters:
1. China:
- Ming Dynasty: In the early 15th century, during the Ming Dynasty, China had a strong central government and a prominent navy. However, after admiral Zheng He's expeditions, China decided to discontinue overseas voyages and focused on domestic affairs. This decision was influenced by a combination of political factors, economic constraints, and a desire to maintain stability within the empire.
- Qing Dynasty: When Europeans arrived later, during the Qing Dynasty, China initially viewed them with curiosity but also as potential threats. The Chinese view on foreigners changed over time, as the European powers pursued trade and territorial ambitions. This led to a series of conflicts, such as the Opium Wars, which resulted in unequal treaties and significant territorial concessions for China.
2. Japan:
- Sakoku Policy: In the early 17th century, Japan implemented the Sakoku policy, which restricted foreign influence and trade. The objective was to maintain internal stability and preserve Japanese culture without succumbing to colonial domination. During this period, Western contact with Japan was largely limited to the Dutch and Chinese merchants on a small island in Nagasaki.
- Opening to the West: In the mid-19th century, Japan faced increasing pressure from Western powers to open its doors to trade and diplomacy. After realizing the vulnerability of their isolation in the face of Western military superiority, Japan embarked on a process of modernization and reform, known as the Meiji Restoration. Japan actively sought western knowledge, technology, and economic development to strengthen itself and compete with the Europeans.
Therefore, while China and Japan initially had different reactions to the Europeans moving westward, both countries ultimately faced similar challenges and had to find ways to navigate the changing global dynamics and deal with Western interference.
To gain a deeper understanding of these historical events and to explore various perspectives, it is recommended to refer to scholarly literature, history books, primary sources, or consult experts in the field of Asian history.